Houston Texans left tackle Duane Brown addressed insensitive comments made by owner Bob McNair in an ESPN story published on Friday, calling them “disrespectful”, “ignorant” and “embarassing”. That was hours after McNair issued a statement apologizing for the comment and stating he was using a figure of speech and did not intend for his words “inmate” and “prison” to be taken literally. “Obviously, one of the emotions is to leave the building immediately”. “But we made a decision to go to work”. The practice has since spread among professional athletes across the US.

Texans star DeAndre Hopkins skipped practice Friday because of McNair’s remarks. Schefter said Hopkins chose to skip practice due to the team owner’s pronouncement.

But his private statement to the National Football League owners, published in November issue of ESPN The Magazine, revealed how challenging National Football League owners and players have found the issue amid a backlash fueled by Trump. Anybody that feels like we’re given this and we’re just privileged to have this money; yes we’re grateful for it.

It’s actually a shame I’m actually penning this news to paper but it’s unfortunately the reality of the world that we live in.

Players on other teams took notice, particularly Richard Sherman, a cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, who will play against the Texans on Sunday.

NFL owners and executives have been scrambling to determine the best response to players protesting during the national anthem this season, a movement started previous year by Colin Kaepernick to demonstrate against racial injustice and police brutality.

“I haven’t seen anything quite like that, but I can’t say I’m surprised”, Brown said. We can’t let you have your own beliefs.’ That’s what it feels like. “Those feelings were said”.

“We’re proud of our country. To have that said, it’s awful”.

Jones, who has said he would bench anyone on his team who kneels during the anthem, reportedly seemed to be advocating for a mandate prohibiting demonstrations during the song. His frustration came after just one catch for 3 yards on two targets in the game.

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